PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) is a modular instrumentation platform originally

introduced in 1997 by National Instruments.

The benefits of PXI-based DAQ systems include rugged packaging that can withstand the harsh
conditions that often exist in industrial applications.

PXI systems also offer a modular architecture, which means that you can fit several devices in
the same space as a single stand-alone instrument, and you have the ability to expand your
system beyond the capacity of a desktop computer with a PCI bus.

Without any external connections, multiple devices can be synchronized by using the internal
buses resident on the backplane of a PXI chassis

PXI has also incorporated higher bus bandwidth capabilities with the introduction of PXI Express.

PXI Controllers
Most PXI chassis contain a system controller slot in the leftmost slot of the chassis (slot 1). You
can choose from a few options when determining the best system controller for an application.
Options include embedded and remote controllers.

PXI Embedded Controllers:

Embedded controllers eliminate the need for an external PC

These embedded controllers come with standard features such as an integrated CPU, hard
drive, RAM, Ethernet, video, keyboard/mouse, serial, USB, and other peripherals, as well as
Microsoft Windows and all device drivers already installed

They are available for systems based on PXI or PXI Express, and you have your choice of OSs,
including Windows 7/Vista/XP or LabVIEW Real-Time.

PXI embedded controllers are typically built using standard PC components in a small, PXI
package. For example, the NI PXIe-8135 controller

PXI Remote Controllers:

Remote controllers allow you to control the system from a desktop, workstation, server, or
laptop.

With NI MXI-Express and MXI-4 interface kits, you can control PXI systems directly from desktop,
workstation, or server computers

Ethernet Control of PXI:

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Networking basics for office & industrial applications:

Identifying Characteristics of a Network
More and more people are building home and small office networks now as a result of the low
cost of networking devices such as hubs and home routers. As a Network+ Certified
Professional, you will need to ensure that you can support these small, medium, and large
networks, so you will start by learning some basic terms.

A network is a group of systems that are connected to allow sharing of resources— such as files
or printers—or sharing of services—such as an Internet connection. There are two aspects of
setting up a network: the hardware used to connect the systems together and the software
installed on the computers to allow them to communicate.

Servers, Workstations, and Hosts:

WANs and LANs
Types of Networks:
Organizations of different sizes, structures, and budgets need different types of networks. A
local newspaper company has needs for its network that would be different from the needs of a
multinational company.

Networks can be divided into one of two categories: peer-to-peer or server-based networks.